Vizio rolls out XVT Cinemawide 21:9 aspect ratio TV

Shane McGlaun, 22nd October 2016

Hollywood studios typically use a 2.35:1 aspect ratio for most major movies. What does that mean for you?

Black bars above and below the image on your TV or projector. I don't know about you, but those black bars really irritate me because I want to use my entire screen, not just part of it.

The problem? Your typical TV or projector uses a 16:9 aspect ratio - making the bars a necessity to avoid distorting the image.

Fortunately, Vizio is rolling out a new TV lineup dubbed "XVT Cinemawide" that uses the same 21:9 aspect ratio as Hollywood films. Other than the unique aspect ratio, the TV is equipped with much of the Vizio goodies we're used to seeing in other Vizio TVs, such as edge lit razor LED and smart dimming.

The XVT Cinemawide offers a resolution of 2560 x 1080 - making it significantly wider than your typical TV - along with flicker free 3D capability via light and comfortable passive 3Dglasses. As expected, the TV also supports smart functionality with apps for YouTube, Netflix, Hulu Plus and more.

The big downside, at least in my opinion? With broadcast television programs catering to 16:9 aspect ratio, you may end up with bars on the left and right on more of the programming you watch.

The first XVT Cinemawide TV to go live is a 58-inch set model (XVT3D580CM) selling on Vizio.com at an MSRP of $2799, with a limited time introductory price of $2499.